Pattern Avoidance for Random Permutations

Using techniques from Poisson approximation, we prove explicit error bounds on the number of permutations that avoid any pattern. Most generally, we bound the total variation distance between the joint distribution of pattern occurrences and a corresponding joint distribution of independent Bernoulli random variables, which as a corollary yields a Poisson approximation for the distribution of the number of occurrences of any pattern. We also investigate occurrences of consecutive patterns in random Mallows permutations, of which uniform random permutations are a special case. These bounds allow us to estimate the probability that a pattern occurs any number of times and, in particular, the probability that a random permutation avoids a given pattern.Comment: 24 pages, 2 Figures, 4 Table

Planning the integration of ex situ plant conservation in Tasmania

Tasmania has a strong record of successful in situ plant conservation but there will always be a role for the integration of various ex situ measures into a plant conservation program due to pressure by threatening processes on wild populations. This paper replaces a 15 year old strategy for ex situ conservation in Tasmania. Progress in ex situ measures for Tasmanian plants is described and broadly evaluated against the previous strategy. Rare and threatened species are considered to be a high priority group for resources if intensive management is required. Endemic species likely to be adversely impacted by climate change would be a high priority for ex situ conservation. Seed banking to capture as much genetic variation in these species is suggested. Eight ex situ methods are briefly described and their application in Tasmanian instances noted. The Tasmanian Seed Conservation Centre established at the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is a central part of Tasmanian ex situ conservation efforts for ex situ conservation programs. An ongoing role for this facility is considered fundamental

Enhancing the Impact of Cross-Sector Partnerships. Four Impact Loops for Channeling Partnership Studies

This paper addresses the topic of this special symposium issue: how to enhance the impact of cross-sector partnerships. The paper takes stock of two related discussions: the discourse in cross-sector partnership research on how to assess impact and the discourse in impact assessment research on how to deal with more complex organizations and projects. We argue that there is growing need and recognition for cross-fertilization between the two areas. Cross-sector partnerships are reaching a paradigmatic status in society, but both research and practice need more thorough evidence of their impacts and of the conditions under which these impacts can be enhanced. This paper develops a framework that should enable a constructive interchange between the two research areas, while also framing existing research into more precise categories that can lead to knowledge accumulation. We address the preconditions for such a framework and discuss how the constituent parts of this framework interact. We distinguish four different pathways or impact loops that refer to four distinct orders of impact. The paper concludes by applying these insights to the four papers included in this special issue

Hydrological summary for the United Kingdom: October 2020

The monthly summary of hydrological conditions in the United Kingdom is compiled as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (a joint UKCEH and BGS enterprise). The report features contemporary data for rainfall, river flow, reservoir and groundwater levels in the form of maps and graphs. A commentary is provided on the status of the nation’s water resources and any notable hydrological events during the month. The National River Flow and National Groundwater Level Archives help provide an historical context for these contemporary assessments. Financial support for the production of the Hydrological Summaries is provided by Defra, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland and the Office of Water Services

Hydrological summary for the United Kingdom: July 2020

The monthly summary of hydrological conditions in the United Kingdom is compiled as part of the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (a joint UKCEH and BGS enterprise). The report features contemporary data for rainfall, river flow, reservoir and groundwater levels in the form of maps and graphs. A commentary is provided on the status of the nation’s water resources and any notable hydrological events during the month. The National River Flow and National Groundwater Level Archives help provide an historical context for these contemporary assessments. Financial support for the production of the Hydrological Summaries is provided by Defra, the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, the Rivers Agency in Northern Ireland and the Office of Water Services

EFFICACY TEST PROTOCOLS FOR EVALUATION OF ULTRASONIC RODENT REPELLENT DEVICES

Controlled laboratory and field test protocols were developed to assess the repellent efficacies of six commercially manufactured ultrasonic rodent repellent devices. The laboratory test structure (68.7 sq m) was divided into two rooms (32.5 sq m each) with a central harborage area (3.5 sq m) containing a colony of 12 wild Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus). For each test, a single ultrasonic device was attached to the far end of one room and rat activity measures (oat consumption, packet damage, photocell counts) were taken during 1-week baseline and 2-1/2-week test periods. Field test structures varied in floor area (6.5 to 197 sq m) and were of either metal or wood construction. All contained existing Norway rat, house mouse (Mus musculus), or field mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus) infestations. No rodent control was conducted at these sites other than the application of selected ultrasonic devices. Rodent activity (packet damage, food consumption, rodent tracks) was measured twice per week during three successive 3-week intervals with devices operating only during the second interval. Repeated measures analysis of variance and chi square were used to statistically evaluate the reliability of ultrasound effects